Skypark Business Park

Vision:

The vision for Skypark is to redevelop a 100 acre disused site into a truly sustainable Business Park, which will accommodate more than 1.4 million sq ft of office, industrial and manufacturing space when complete.

Working closely with joint venture partners, St. Modwen will seek to realise the full economic potential of Exeter as a major regional centre by providing regional and national occupiers with access to high quality employment space which will in turn create around 6,500 jobs over the course of the Business Park's development.

Location:

Close to junction 29 of the M5

Next to Exeter International Airport

Soon to be a short distance from the new Cranbrook railway station on the Exeter to Waterloo line

Partnership:

Devon County Council and St Modwen the UK's leading regeneration specialist.

Background

The site was formerly run by Devon County Council as part of Exeter Airport.

In 2008, the Council concluded that a Corporate Joint Venture with a private sector partner was required to drive forward the development of the 1.4 million sq ft Skypark Business Park comprising of office and industrial/manufacturing space.

In February 2009, and following a six-month selection process, St. Modwen was named Joint Venture Partner and the agreements were exchanged with Devon County Council in March 2009.

In June 2010, St. Modwen along with scheme partners, entered into an agreement to develop a new Energy Centre and district heating pipework on behalf of energy provider, E.ON, supplying a low carbon heating network to serve Skypark and neighbouring residential scheme, Cranbrook. In June (2010) the outline planning consent for Skypark was granted.

The partnership structure for the Joint Venture follows the Government's local asset backed vehicle (LABV) methodology and will allow Devon County Council to participate in future value and decision making over the 20 years life of the partnership.

Infrastructure

Skypark has strong regional, national and international network links due to its location adjacent to Exeter International Airport and its close proximity to Junction 29 of the M5. Further progress this year on the development of the multi-million Clyst Honiton by-pass will strengthen the Business Park's positioning as the location for an out-of-town thriving business community. As part of the redevelopment process, St. Modwen will carry out a programme of infrastructure works to bring forward the development of the site.

Phase One

A Phase One of Industrial and Office development has been designed in full.